Awakening is a continuous series of present moments. In the past, like many others, I perceived it as a fixed destination. I traversed the spiritual path for years, only to find myself drained and without a clear outcome. Desperation set in until life guided me to a community of sincere seekers and individuals who had attained self-realization.

Interacting with awakened individuals, I discerned a subtle yet profound distinction in their demeanor. Over time, I came to realize five habits they effortlessly abandoned, which imbued them with unmistakable joy and tranquility.

Emotional Detachment

Emotions, often akin to a serene ocean one moment and a turbulent tempest the next, are inherently unpredictable. This unpredictability can lead to inner turmoil and external conflicts when individuals clash emotionally. However, awakened individuals exhibit a remarkable ability to step back from such clashes. By disengaging from emotional entanglements, they mitigate conflict, allowing the waves of discord to dissipate harmlessly.

Non-Personalization

Witnessing my mentor's abrupt shift from anger to composure left me bewildered initially. His explanation—that he never harbors anger, but rather speaks and acts from a place of peace—resonated with me much later on my journey to awakening. With realization comes the clarity to distinguish between truth and illusion, dispelling the need for egoic defenses. Thus, awakened individuals remain unperturbed by external circumstances, rooted in inner peace.

Release of Spiritual Destination

The question "When will I be enlightened?" is emblematic of the misconception that spiritual awakening is a distant goal to be attained. In truth, enlightenment is not a destination but a state of being, accessible only in the present moment. While the journey may span years or even decades, the essence of spiritual growth lies in shedding egoic constructs and embracing the timeless now.

Freedom from Worry

Observing a mentor effortlessly navigate professional responsibilities while maintaining a sense of inner serenity was revelatory. Worry, I realized, stems from the desire to control outcomes—an impulse that dissipates in the flow of awakened consciousness. Detached from the need for control, awakened individuals work from a place of profound stillness, unruffled by external pressures.

Liberation from Expectations

The dichotomy of good and bad, inherent in the human psyche, dissolves in the wake of awakening. Awakened individuals transcend the limitations of judgment, recognizing life's inherent intelligence beyond dualistic categorizations. Embracing life in its entirety, they relinquish the burden of expectation, fostering a state of pure acceptance.

In conclusion, awakened individuals are not extraordinary beings but rather ordinary individuals who have transcended the illusions of the mind. They approach life with reverence, recognizing its inherent sacredness amidst the mundane.